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Air Fryer Cod

Air Fryer Cod

This Air Fryer Cod recipe delivers perfectly golden and tender fish with a satisfyingly crispy exterior in just minutes. It’s a fast, healthy, and easy way to enjoy restaurant-quality cod using minimal oil and simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for anyone looking for a flavorful and low-fat seafood dish with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 4 to 6 ounces firm, skinless fresh cod fillets

Coating & Seasoning

  • Olive oil, for brushing
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Finish

  • Fresh lemon juice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cod: Pat your cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step ensures the coating sticks well and results in a golden, crispy finish.
  2. Season and Oil: Lightly brush all sides of the cod fillets with olive oil. Then season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. The oil helps the breadcrumbs adhere and adds flavor.
  3. Coat with Panko: Press each seasoned fillet into a shallow dish filled with panko breadcrumbs, making sure each fillet is generously coated on all sides for maximum crispiness.
  4. Preheat and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Arrange the breaded fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the cod is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Serve with Fresh Lemon: Transfer the cooked fillets to a serving plate and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add brightness. Serve immediately while the coating is still crisp.

Notes

  • Always pat cod dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy crust.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space around each fillet for even air circulation and crispiness.
  • Flip the cod halfway through cooking for even browning on both sides.
  • Adjust cooking time if fillets are thicker or thinner; thicker fillets may need a couple of extra minutes.
  • For extra crunch, lightly spritz olive oil on the coated fillets before air frying.

Nutrition

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